TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Chaos resumed in the Legislative Yuan on Tuesday (May 21), a day after the presidential inauguration, over a controversial parliamentary reform proposal. The reform includes a draft bill aimed at criminally penalizing officials or members of the public who make false statements during hearings.
The Democratic Progressive Party (民進黨, DPP) lawmakers have criticized the reform proposal, which includes more than 20 versions, claiming many lacked procedural safeguards.
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) of the opposition Kuomintang (中國國民黨, KMT) attempted to quell the disputes by calling for a recess and discussions among parties, followed by a call for a vote. Han urged, "Please keep quiet in the chamber and respect the legislators who are speaking; thank you."
The DPP's caucus whip, Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘), vehemently criticized the chamber's events, likening them to actions at China's National People's Congress.
Ker stated, "Standing here feels like I'm at the National People's Congress in China. All we ask for is procedural justice. Without it, without negotiation and discussion, this parliament is already dead."
Following the January presidential election, the ruling DPP secured re-election but failed to gain a majority in the Legislative Yuan, increasing the influence of the main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), and the Taiwan People's Party (台灣民眾黨, TPP).
The opposition's proposed reforms aim to give the parliament greater scrutiny and power over the government. These include reforms on national addresses, contempt of parliament rules, appointment or oversight of personnel, and the right to investigate and hold hearings.
Despite President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inauguration speech on Monday emphasizing unity and respect between the ruling and opposition parties, the Legislative Yuan remains divided. Lai's call for a spirit of "people first" and "nation above party" has yet to bridge the legislative divide.
